Successful establishment of shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata)

Successful Establishment of Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata)
Shortleaf pine is one of four major southern yellow pines found in the forests of NC. Growing in 22 states from southern
Pennsylvania to eastern Texas it has the widest range of any pine in the southeastern United States. Its wide distribution
indicates an adaptability to a great variety of soil, site, and climatic conditions. Shortleaf
pine is more predominant in North Carolina's piedmont and mountain regions. In spite of its
adaptability, shortleaf pine is in decline across North Carolina.
The tree's unique silvics or biological characteristics hinder regeneration efforts. An
understanding of shortleaf pine biology is critical to manage and conserve this species
for future generations to enjoy. Identifying the factors that limit establishment
combined with careful planning are key for success.
Key Regeneration Factors
Adapts to a wide variety of soils, but shortleaf …
Is more abundant than loblolly on drier, better-drained, and less fertile sites.
Does not grow well on soils with high calcium, high pH, or excessive drainage.
Has a low tolerance to poor soil aeration.
Has a low demand for nutrients.
Is more drought resistant than black oak, scarlet oak, southern red oak, but is
the same as white oak.
Is not found at elevations greater than 3000 feet.
Shortleaf early growth is hindered …
By a large taproot and small feeder roots that are most abundant in the top
few inches. Hence, when wilting point is reached, shortleaf pine surface roots
succumb early.
On the shallow, rocky, and dry soils where it has a competitive advantage over
other species.
By competition. Shade intolerant and does not grow well when suppressed.
However, shortleaf does endure competition longer than loblolly and will
respond to release (even when mature).
Shortleaf growth is slow and steady:
Slow root growth first two years.
Grows slower than loblolly …………….……1-20 years old
Growth rate similar to loblolly………….……20 -44 years old
Shortleaf grows faster than loblolly…… +45 years old
Plan for Success
1. Pick the right site. Shortleaf likes well-drained sandy or gravelly clay. It does not compete well on wet or
compacted soils.
2. Prepare the site well before you plant. Shortleaf pine grows slow the first 2-3 years after planting.
Pastures, agriculture fields, and high quality sites require the most intensive site preparation.
FM #41 August 2006
Unique J-shaped crook rooting
habit. Axillary buds form near
the crook and sprout vigorously
if damaged.
3. Container vs. bareroot seedlings: Hand-planted, container-grown seedlings survive better than bareroot
seedlings.
4. Choose an experienced tree planter. Shortleaf is sensitive to improper handling, long storage, and poor
planting.
First Things First - Choose the Right Site
Shortleaf is favored on medium to poor sites where others are unable to compete.
South and West aspect (poor soil moisture)
Thin, rocky soils (drier , nutrient deficient)
Higher elevations (600 - 2500 feet), North and West of loblolly range
Sites too dry, warm, infertile for eastern white pine
Competes well with Oaks on sandy mountain soils.
Littleleaf Disease is a Serious Threat
· Reduces growth rates and causes mortality.
· Recognized by abnormally short, sparse, slightly yellowing needles, thinning
crown, and branch dieback.
· Several factors such as root fungi, poor soil aeration, low fertility, nematodes,
and toxic levels of manganese, combine to impede nitrogen absorption.
· Shortleaf is susceptible to Littleleaf on clay soils that are severely eroded,
poorly drained, infertile, and have poor aeration.
· Avoid planting shortleaf on sites and in areas susceptible to Littleleaf Disease.
· Maintain stand health and vigor through fertilization and thinning.
Site Preparation is the Key
Identify the factors that limit establishment and growth on your site and select a site preparation method that removes
those limiting factors. Apply intensive site preparation methods to control competing vegetation to increase seedling
survival and early growth. The most effective tools for site preparation include applying herbicides, scalping,
chopping, burning, and bedding. On pastures and agricultural fields apply herbicides to control grasses and weeds and
subsoil to break up plow pans or compacted soil that inhibit root development.
Planting Dos and Don'ts
Do hire an experienced and well-supervised tree planting crew.
Do plant early. Shortleaf pine can be planted from October through February. Late planting in March or April
becomes increasingly more risky and is not recommended. Hot plant seedlings with less than 600 chilling hours.
Do handle the seedlings carefully. Shortleaf root system is sensitive to rough handling and exposure to sun or
wind.
Do not store bareroot seedlings for more than 30 days. Containerized seedlings store better, but should be planted
as soon as possible after lifting. Keep stored seedlings from over heating or freezing.
Competition Release after Planting
Conduct an annual inspection in late March or early April to determine the need for competition release. Seek
advice for the right herbicide and application rate for target weed(s). Ask a knowledgeable forester, NC Division
of Forest Resources specialist, or forestry herbicide representative to visit your site for specific recommendations.
Terry Price, Georgia Forestry Commission
Foresters sometimes refer to Shortleaf as Rosemary Pine due to the unique rosemary fragrance emitted by
its foliage. The bark of shortleaf pine has distinctive volcano shaped pith holes that aid in its identification.

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Successful Establishment of Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata)
Shortleaf pine is one of four major southern yellow pines found in the forests of NC. Growing in 22 states from southern
Pennsylvania to eastern Texas it has the widest range of any pine in the southeastern United States. Its wide distribution
indicates an adaptability to a great variety of soil, site, and climatic conditions. Shortleaf
pine is more predominant in North Carolina's piedmont and mountain regions. In spite of its
adaptability, shortleaf pine is in decline across North Carolina.
The tree's unique silvics or biological characteristics hinder regeneration efforts. An
understanding of shortleaf pine biology is critical to manage and conserve this species
for future generations to enjoy. Identifying the factors that limit establishment
combined with careful planning are key for success.
Key Regeneration Factors
Adapts to a wide variety of soils, but shortleaf …
Is more abundant than loblolly on drier, better-drained, and less fertile sites.
Does not grow well on soils with high calcium, high pH, or excessive drainage.
Has a low tolerance to poor soil aeration.
Has a low demand for nutrients.
Is more drought resistant than black oak, scarlet oak, southern red oak, but is
the same as white oak.
Is not found at elevations greater than 3000 feet.
Shortleaf early growth is hindered …
By a large taproot and small feeder roots that are most abundant in the top
few inches. Hence, when wilting point is reached, shortleaf pine surface roots
succumb early.
On the shallow, rocky, and dry soils where it has a competitive advantage over
other species.
By competition. Shade intolerant and does not grow well when suppressed.
However, shortleaf does endure competition longer than loblolly and will
respond to release (even when mature).
Shortleaf growth is slow and steady:
Slow root growth first two years.
Grows slower than loblolly …………….……1-20 years old
Growth rate similar to loblolly………….……20 -44 years old
Shortleaf grows faster than loblolly…… +45 years old
Plan for Success
1. Pick the right site. Shortleaf likes well-drained sandy or gravelly clay. It does not compete well on wet or
compacted soils.
2. Prepare the site well before you plant. Shortleaf pine grows slow the first 2-3 years after planting.
Pastures, agriculture fields, and high quality sites require the most intensive site preparation.
FM #41 August 2006
Unique J-shaped crook rooting
habit. Axillary buds form near
the crook and sprout vigorously
if damaged.
3. Container vs. bareroot seedlings: Hand-planted, container-grown seedlings survive better than bareroot
seedlings.
4. Choose an experienced tree planter. Shortleaf is sensitive to improper handling, long storage, and poor
planting.
First Things First - Choose the Right Site
Shortleaf is favored on medium to poor sites where others are unable to compete.
South and West aspect (poor soil moisture)
Thin, rocky soils (drier , nutrient deficient)
Higher elevations (600 - 2500 feet), North and West of loblolly range
Sites too dry, warm, infertile for eastern white pine
Competes well with Oaks on sandy mountain soils.
Littleleaf Disease is a Serious Threat
· Reduces growth rates and causes mortality.
· Recognized by abnormally short, sparse, slightly yellowing needles, thinning
crown, and branch dieback.
· Several factors such as root fungi, poor soil aeration, low fertility, nematodes,
and toxic levels of manganese, combine to impede nitrogen absorption.
· Shortleaf is susceptible to Littleleaf on clay soils that are severely eroded,
poorly drained, infertile, and have poor aeration.
· Avoid planting shortleaf on sites and in areas susceptible to Littleleaf Disease.
· Maintain stand health and vigor through fertilization and thinning.
Site Preparation is the Key
Identify the factors that limit establishment and growth on your site and select a site preparation method that removes
those limiting factors. Apply intensive site preparation methods to control competing vegetation to increase seedling
survival and early growth. The most effective tools for site preparation include applying herbicides, scalping,
chopping, burning, and bedding. On pastures and agricultural fields apply herbicides to control grasses and weeds and
subsoil to break up plow pans or compacted soil that inhibit root development.
Planting Dos and Don'ts
Do hire an experienced and well-supervised tree planting crew.
Do plant early. Shortleaf pine can be planted from October through February. Late planting in March or April
becomes increasingly more risky and is not recommended. Hot plant seedlings with less than 600 chilling hours.
Do handle the seedlings carefully. Shortleaf root system is sensitive to rough handling and exposure to sun or
wind.
Do not store bareroot seedlings for more than 30 days. Containerized seedlings store better, but should be planted
as soon as possible after lifting. Keep stored seedlings from over heating or freezing.
Competition Release after Planting
Conduct an annual inspection in late March or early April to determine the need for competition release. Seek
advice for the right herbicide and application rate for target weed(s). Ask a knowledgeable forester, NC Division
of Forest Resources specialist, or forestry herbicide representative to visit your site for specific recommendations.
Terry Price, Georgia Forestry Commission
Foresters sometimes refer to Shortleaf as Rosemary Pine due to the unique rosemary fragrance emitted by
its foliage. The bark of shortleaf pine has distinctive volcano shaped pith holes that aid in its identification.